Registration of beneficiaries of the Rumbun Sauki programme

It is with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment that I stand before you today to formally flag off the sensitization and registration exercise for the Rumbun Sauki Programme, a vital initiative designed to provide relief to the people of Katsina State in these challenging economic times.

The Rumbun Sauki Programme is a social welfare and economic support initiative aimed at reducing the burden of high food prices on our citizens, particularly the elderly, government workers, retirees, and other vulnerable groups. Through this initiative, the Katsina State Government is committed to providing essential food items at subsidized rates to ensure food security and affordability for all.

Our nation is currently experiencing economic challenges, with rising costs of living affecting households across the country. The cost of essential commodities has increased significantly, making it difficult for families to afford basic necessities. As a responsible government, we recognize these difficulties and have taken proactive steps to cushion the effects of these hardships on our people.

The Rumbun Sauki Programme is not just a food distribution programme, it is a structured economic relief mechanism aimed at ensuring that our citizens have access to affordable, high-quality food commodities without unnecessary strain on their incomes.

This initiative is in line with our administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the people, especially those most affected by economic downturns. No citizen of Katsina State should have to struggle to afford basic food items, and this programme is our response to that urgent need.

Today, as we flag off this sensitization and registration exercise, we are taking a critical step toward ensuring the effective implementation of this programme. The objectives of this phase include:

• Raising Awareness: Ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries understand the purpose, benefits, and operational framework of the programme.
• Accurate Beneficiary Registration: Creating a transparent and accountable database of beneficiaries to ensure that only those who truly qualify can access the subsidy.
• Seamless Distribution Planning: Organizing beneficiaries into a structured system that will allow for efficient and fair distribution of food items across all 361 political wards in the state.
• Cashless and Transparent Transactions: Educating beneficiaries on the use of the customized ATM cards and digital payment system for purchasing food items.

Through this sensitization campaign, we will ensure that every qualified citizen is properly registered and fully aware of how to access the benefits of the programme.

The Rumbun Sauki Programme is designed to prioritize those who need it most. The key beneficiaries include:

• Senior citizens aged 60 and above
• State and local government workers
• Retirees and pensioners

The programme will operate through designated sales centers across the three senatorial zones, and purchases will be made using a structured and transparent digital system.

Each registered beneficiary will be entitled to purchase basic food items at a subsidized rate, and those on government payrolls can access a portion of their purchases through salary deductions, ensuring sustainability and ease of payment.

One of the core values of this programme is accountability. We have put in place a strict monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that the process remains transparent, fair, and free from manipulation.

To achieve this, we have:

• Established a digital payment system using customized ATM cards linked to a government-controlled wallet account to prevent misuse and misappropriation.
• Created a data-driven registration process that ensures only eligible beneficiaries can access the programme.
• Deployed a monitoring and evaluation team to track the effectiveness of the distribution and subsidy model.

We will not tolerate any form of corruption, favoritism, or inefficiency in the implementation of this programme. Any official found guilty of exploiting or mismanaging the system will face the full weight of the law.

For this programme to succeed, we need the full cooperation of all stakeholders, our traditional and religious leaders, government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

I call on:

• Beneficiaries to participate actively in the registration process and adhere to the programme guidelines.
• Government officials and coordinators to uphold fairness, integrity, and professionalism in managing the programme.
• The media to assist in publicizing this initiative and ensuring that accurate information reaches the people.

With collective effort and commitment, we can build a Katsina State where no citizen suffers from hunger or food insecurity.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, today marks the beginning of a new era of economic relief and support for the people of Katsina State. The Rumbun Sauki Programme is not just a government initiative, it is a collective commitment to ensuring a better quality of life for all.

We remain dedicated to the welfare of our people, and we will continue to implement policies and programmes that uplift and empower our citizens.

As we officially commence the sensitization and registration process, I urge all beneficiaries to take full advantage of this opportunity and register promptly.

Together, we will build a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous Katsina State.

Thank you, and May Allah bless Katsina State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.